layette

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A layette is a collection of clothing for a newborn child. The term "layette set" is commonly used in the United States to refer to gift sets of baby clothes.^{[citation needed]}

Traditionally, women would hand-sew their baby's clothes during their pregnancy. Today "layette" is often used to identify a baby clothing section of a store. The term can also be used for bedding, accessories, and baby care items.

Basic layette

Infant wearing a onesie

Basic layette items include:

• a going-home-from-the-hospital outfit
• legless sleepwear (sleeping gowns / kimonos / sleeping bags / newborn sacques / blanket sleepers) or footed sleepers
• onesies (short-sleeved, legless bodysuits) / all-in-ones / rompers / coveralls
• undershirts / T-shirts
• receiving blankets
• swaddling blankets
• hooded towels
• baby washcloths
• socks / booties
• hats / beanies / sweaters / bunting (depending on the climate)
• burp cloths (cloth diapers are often recommended)
• Scratch mits
• Vests

The amount of each item needed varies by recipient, and is mostly a matter of willingness to do laundry.

Other uses

A layette is also an ERO (equipment repair order) parts bin in the United States Marine Corps, when discussing maintenance management and repair parts management. When conducting maintenance on a piece of equipment, or vehicle, parts are ordered. When parts come in they are placed into the bins until all the parts arrive. Once all parts arrive, they are signed for by a mechanic and applied to the equipment, or vehicle. The bins are identified by ERO number.

Further reading

• Baby care for health and comfort (c1944). Bureau of Educational Services, Byron G. Moon Company. Poster 65 x 51 cm. National Library of Medicine accession number: 04-08.